New Donington Park revealed
Plans for the most extensive redevelopment of Donington Park since the addition of the Melbourne loop in 1985 have been submitted for approval by the circuit's leaseholders, SFX.
The American entertainments company, which leases the track from owner Tom Wheatcroft, is ploughing ahead with a £36 millon upgrade to the Leicestershire circuit, despite there being no possibility of holding the British Grand Prix.
The plans call for the relocation of the pits to new, purpose-built facilities along Starkey's Straight, which is itself extended towards a new hairpin, bypassing the current chicane and Melbourne loop. This then leads to a new complex on the site of the current pits and paddock.
Also changed under the revisions is Coppice Corner, which would become a much tighter, second gear turn. The rest of the circuit would remain unaltered, save for the addition of further grandstands along Strakey's Straight and the new complex.
SFX have invested almost £1 million putting the planning application through, so on that basis they're very serious.
Robert Fearnall
If North West Leicestershire District Council gives planning permission, a decision is then expected giving the go-ahead for work to start from SFX.
"A decision hasn't been made yet, but we were told to go ahead with the application process," said circuit boss Robert Fearnall.
"They planned for this as part of the potential deal with Brands Hatch (to take over the running of the British GP) and are committed to it.
"SFX have invested almost £1 million just in putting the planning application through, so on that basis they're very serious. Donington Park is important in their plans and I'm sure something will come out of it," he added.
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